Bond Progress
Upcoming Projects in EMS ISD
The next chapter in more than 60 years of tradition at Wayside Middle School is being written near the corner of Old Decatur Road and Bailey Boswell Road as construction continues on the replacement middle school approved by voters in the 2023 bond election.
That is just one of many projects underway across EMS ISD, planning ahead for growth and enhancing learning environments for generations to come.
Wayside Middle School: A Multi-Phase Project
Construction crews have made considerable progress on the new Wayside Middle School. Next door to the current campus, the first phase of construction, which includes completing the new school building, remains on track to be completed and open to students by January 2026.
“Due to the small lot size and construction next door to the existing school, this project needed to be undertaken in multiple phases,” said Hunter Lee, director of construction and bond planning for EMS ISD. “By using a multi-phase approach, we also ensure that students and staff will begin learning in their new school as soon as the building is ready.”
Once phase one is complete, the second phase will focus on the demolition of the old building and the construction of new tennis courts, parking areas, and a football field. This phase is set for completion by the end of 2026, providing enhanced facilities for students and the community.
Dick and Heidi Elkins Agricultural Science Complex: A New Home For Agricultural Education
Another major project from the 2023 bond is the Dick and Heidi Elkins Agricultural Science Complex; an updated facility designed to support recent and future advancements in agricultural education programming. Architectural designs for the facility have been approved and construction is scheduled to begin in July, with a projected 14-month timeline leading to an anticipated opening in September 2026.
Located on Mustang Rock Road across from Marine Creek Middle School, this 41,000-square-foot facility will house livestock including goats, hogs and steer, while also offering ample grazing space. The building is expected to be a significant resource for students pursuing agricultural studies, providing hands-on learning opportunities in a modern, well-equipped environment, with a show arena, classrooms and meeting spaces.
“Our current agriculture science facility is too small for the number of students involved in EMS ISD and is also outdated and on land the district leases,” Lee said. “The Dick and Heidi Elkins Agricultural Science Complex will provide students with a new facility that will keep their livestock secure while providing a modern environment for learning and growing.”
Additional Improvements: Upgrading Playgrounds
Beyond these large-scale projects, EMS ISD is also focused on improving existing infrastructure. The replacement of wood-chip playground surfaces with durable turf continues at district elementary schools. This change enhances safety, accessibility, and overall play experiences for students and will be completed at all schools by the end of Summer 2025.
Other Notable Upcoming District Projects
Roof and HVAC systems replacements at Boswell High School, and Gililland and Bryson elementary schools
Resurface tennis courts at Boswell High School and Ed Willkie Middle School
Marquee replacements at Highland, Creekview, Prairie Vista, and Ed Willkie middle schools
Flooring replacements at Northbrook, Willow Creek, and Parkview elementary schools; portions of Saginaw High School and the John L. Price Maintenance and Transportaion Building.
Replacements of mechanical equipment at Hafley Development Center, Chisholm Ridge, Greenfield, High Country, and Remington Point elementary schools.
Wheelchair accessible path to Highland Middle School’s football field.
With these ongoing and upcoming projects, the district remains committed to improving facilities and creating spaces that support education, extracurricular activities, and student well-being through projects approved by EMS ISD voters in the 2023 bond election.
